It all began in a modest two-bedroom apartment in Bremerton. Tommy Debord, a young man with high-functioning autism, felt a deep loss when Cory’s Day on the Farm—a cherished annual event for children with special needs—shut down in 2019.

Having attended the event since childhood and volunteered there as he grew older, Debord recognized a void in his community and decided to take action. He created Tommy’s Story Hour, a space for people with disabilities and special needs to connect, feel safe and build friendships.

“I was depressed when Cory’s Day ended. I lost touch with a lot of people in the special needs community,” Debord said. “One day, I came out of my room and told my dad, ‘I’m going to start my own special needs thing to get everybody back together.’ And I did. A month later, we had about sixty people show up at our apartment for karaoke, barbecue and games.”

Tommy’s Story Hour’s strong start grew quickly as it resonated within the community. Before long, the event moved to larger venues like the YMCA, eventually finding a permanent home at the Olympic Mountain Rescue headquarters on Rocky Point in Bremerton.

Tommy’s dad, Thomas Debord, recalled the early days of the group. “When Tommy said he was going to start this, I had no idea it would turn into something this big. But he was determined. Now, five years later, we have built something really special. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”

Finances posed an initial hurdle. The Debord family covers the $50 monthly rental fee for the event space and provides about $250 in food for each gathering. “We do get some help from donations, but we’re committed to ensuring this space is available to everyone. It’s not about asking people to pitch in—it’s about giving them a place where they don’t have to worry about anything,” Thomas Debord said.

For Tommy, the mission is clear: “I just want to make sure that everyone with special needs has friends, a community to belong to and people to turn to. I was bullied in high school, and I don’t want that for anyone. This is a place where everyone is accepted.”

Nick Uzyoni’s caregiver, Shoshana McCleary, shared how much Tommy’s Story Hour has impacted their lives. “It has positively impacted me: it’s a wonderful place. As a caregiver, I get a much-needed break.”

McCleary added: “Nick has somewhere to go and be himself. He’s not looked at differently. In public, people look and stare, and it’s uncomfortable. But when Nick is at Tommy’s Story Hour, he is looked at in a welcoming way, and he loves that. He feels like it’s his family; he calls them his crew. Tommy has such a huge heart. He would reach the whole world if he could.”

Uzyoni shared, “My favorite part about Tommy’s Story Hour is bingo and winning prizes.”

Tommy’s Story Hour gathers the second Saturday of every month, but its impact reaches far beyond in-person events. When the COVID pandemic hit and gatherings were no longer possible, Tommy took the community online. The virtual gatherings have grown into a global network, with members tuning in from as far away as Australia, Russia, Germany and Ukraine.

Angelique Petit, a California-based administrator for the online group, shared how much Tommy’s Story Hour has impacted her life. “I’ve always wanted to find people like me—people who understand what it’s like to live with disabilities. I have Asperger’s, ADHD and epilepsy, and through Tommy’s Story Hour, I’ve found friends who are like family. It’s a second home. We don’t judge anyone, and we accept everyone for who they are.”

The online space is open 24/7 and offers more than just socializing; it provides critical support for members facing challenges, including virtual movie night, Bible study or just a chat with friends. Thomas Debord emphasized the broader impact of Tommy’s initiative: “Tommy may have started this to help himself, but what he’s done has helped so many people in our community and beyond. It’s more than just a social group—it’s a lifeline for families.”

For details, visit Tommy’s Story Hour on Facebook.